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Posted: Jun 20, 2011

RUSNANO and Lafarge Cement signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(Nanowerk News) On 17th June, in the frame of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2011, Dmitry Lisenkov, Managing Director of RUSNANO and Alex de Valukhoff, General Director of Lafarge Cement in Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

This Memorandum signifies the intention of the two parties to begin working together in the development of innovative and sustainable construction materials designed to provide more value for customers across Russia.

"We are delighted to sign a strategic agreement with RUSNANO, says Alex de Valukhoff, GM, Lafarge Cement Russia. — It illustrates our mutual will to collaborate with the aim to introduce joint plants producing high performance mineral additives and fillers. To foster innovation in sustainable development projects and industry modernization are amongst our company's key priorities".

"The modern construction industry faces a significant number of challenges, the first of which are energy efficiency, materials durability and environment safety. Therefore, innovation in technology for the construction materials production has transformed traditional materials such as cement, concrete and gypsum into more technological and functional ones. In this field, nanotechnology development enables to reach new levels of qualities. Taking into consideration Lafarge's global scientific and research expertise, we see a great prospects in the collaboration with Lafarge in the area of high technology materials production in Russia," — comments Dmitry Lisenkov.

RUSNANO was founded in 2011, resulting of the restructuring process for the Russian Nanotechnology Corporation. RUSNANO implements the government strategy for nano-industry development stepping in as a co-investor for the nanotechnology projects with significant economic or social potential. 100 percent of RUSNANO's equity is owned by the government. The Chairman of the Board is Anatoly Chubais. The Russian Nanotechnology Corporation objectives of developing nanotechnological infrastructure and educational programmes are being fulfilled by the Foundation for Infrastructure and Educational Programmes founded as result of the above mentioned restructuring.

Lafarge Group is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete and Gypsum. Lafarge places innovation at the heart of its priorities, working for sustainable construction and architectural creativity. The Company boast the World's largest Research & Development Center devoted to construction materials and located in Lyon, France. Lafarge has been working in Russia for 15 years and currently owns and operates two plants in Voskresensk in the Moscow Region and Korkino in the Chelyabinsk region. In 2011 a new modern plant in Ferzikovo, Kaluga Region is being developed that will become the major plant of a new technology park in the region. In 2007 and 2008 Lafarge also acquired limestone licenses in Rostov and Krasnodar regions. Cumulatively, Lafarge Cement Russia is the largest investor in Federal reserves.
More information at www.lafarge.ru.